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Emma Watson Reuters

Emma Watson has been tipped as the frontrunner to take the role of female protagonist Anastasia Steele in the Fifty Shades of Grey movie adaptation of the bestseller.

The 22-year-old British actress, who starred as schoolgirl Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise, is reportedly in talks with producers about starring as Christian Grey's love interest in the movies based on EL James' mega-selling bondage novel.

However, the actress is keeping tight-lipped about a possible role in the movie.

When asked recently if she would be interested in appearing in a Fifty Shades of Grey movie, she said: ''I haven't read the book yet, so I don't know."

Competition for the role is said to be heavy as Hollywood actresses, Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Stewart have also been linked to it.

Ian Somerhalder is the favourite to play the mysterious Christian Grey who introduces Anastasia to the world of bondage and erotica.

James has choosen The Social Network's Michael de Luca and Dana Brunetti to produce the movie.